Dora Jar has a haunting way of capturing sounds and inspirations. The genre-bending singer-songwriter is known for having an experimental pop sound that belongs to no genre and every genre. Beating and pulsing on her unique vibration, No Way To Relax When You Are On Fire, feels like a sonic dream catcher, where intricate sounds and sensuous whispers form its unique world. Established herself with her imaginative persona and unconventional instrumental textures and thought-provoking lyrics, Dora Jar is a hidden gem among the up and coming artists.
While “This Is Why” and “Timelapse” capture her wild and untamed side, “Debbie Darling” is all about being personal and deep. She has a unique sensitivity. The song proves that Dora Jar is an artist who’s not afraid to be vulnerable and shows every corner of her heart, even the most tender part. “Debbie Darling” is a warm and tearful slow burn that evokes healing energy like a campfire at the beach while the sun is setting.
Dora Jar has a sound that’s as light as it is dark, but one thing that has remained true in every single of her songs on No Way To Relax When You Are On Fire is the breathiness. Never too thick. Never too much to bear, Dora Jar’s songs, even vengeful and thorny, are fierce and full of life. Darker songs like “Ragdoll” feel very rebellious and cathartic. The punchy energy crashes through those songs and burn down everything that no longer serves the greater purpose.
The versatile artist also dabbles in electronic sounds, popping her head on the dance floor. The groove never ends in No Way To Relax When You Are On Fire, which seems like an appropriate name for the album. Dora Jar is on fire in this one. The record is a thrill ride that is filled with delightful surprises. Having made a name for herself, Dora Jar has toured with Billie Eillish and The Neighborhood. Her unique sound has generated a lot of noises in both indie and mainstream scenes. Her songs can be found on Vogue, PAPER Magazine, NME, Clash Magazine, and many others.
Written by Katrina Yang
Press Q&A with Dora Jar
Q: “No Way To Relax When You Are On Fire” is such a strong title, and relatable to many young people going through a self-discovrey journey. What would your advise be to someone who hears the album title and relates to it?
Dora Jar: I’m trying to think of my younger self right now. I definitely went through turmoil especially in my early twenties. I feel like fire represents anger and I think that underneath anger there always lays some universal sadness that can help our hearts open and then ulitmately it can help us connect when we realise that we all are struggling. I guess the advice is: Let the feeling of the heart just go through its natural course and lead you through whatever grief or sadness comes. Let it show you something beautiful and be patient for that.
Q: Listening to your album felt like entering a new magical world. What was your intention for listeners when creating this album? What do you hope your fans feel or experience while listening to it?
Dora Jar: I would like anyone to feel courageous, open and dancey and like the strange parts of them are the best parts of them!
Q: What is your inspiration behind this album?
Dora Jar: I’m always on fire and can’t relax. Sometimes it feels very good, and sometimes it is very crazy.
Q: How have you dealt with imposter syndrome?
Dora Jar: As an artist, you want to share so much, but you’re afraid to be seen. I’m getting more comfortable with being in the mystery and not needing everything to make sense.
Q: What has it been like to play your new tracks in front of an audience?
Dora Jar: It’s so fun playing live. I keep getting more energetic. Even on this tour, with seven shows in. The shows change so far. It’s all about being in the moment and letting the audience lead us to new exciting places.
Q: Your lyrics are very literal. Are there any piece of literature lke books, poetry that have inspired your work?
Dora Jar: One that comes to mind is a book that Julie Andrews wrote, called The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. It’s about a scientist who’s studying DNA at the imagination and he finds three children to test imagination on, and they travel to an alternative dimension and confront these beings. That really opens me up to science and my imagination.
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